Lori Wallace Lee, formerly of Castor, has been selected to attend the Leadership Natchitoches program.

She is an Assistant Vice President and Staff Accountant for BOM Bank in Natchitoches. She is married to Taylor Lee, and they have a nine-month-old son, Brody.

Lee shared, “I look forward to the Leadership Natchitoches experience, the opportunity to expand my knowledge around the region that I live and work in, and the opportunity to grow alongside my talented peers.”

Leadership Natchitoches is an immersive learning experience designed to engage and activate proven leaders to effect change. Throughout the program, the diverse group of professionals becomes one class and one voice, becoming more interconnected not only with each other but also with the broader community and region.

Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted based on demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Natchitoches area, and commitment to the program. A selection committee of Community and Chamber leaders recommends 15 to 20 candidates based on a diverse cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age, and affiliations.

Leadership Natchitoches devotes one full Friday per month to hearing presentations from subject matter experts and participating in discussions, field trips, and practical exercises pertinent to six key community issues: history, culture and tourism, natural resources, business and industry, education and workforce, healthcare and public safety, and government and governance.

Graduates learn firsthand about the issues facing our region and have the opportunity to make a positive community impact through volunteerism and civic engagement. The program consists of eight sessions, including an evening team-building social and a full day of experiential learning. At the end of the program, participants are celebrated at a graduation ceremony.